Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, good afternoon.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of three prominent Northerners. I acknowledge the passing of a former Member of this Legislative Assembly, a former scholar, activist and politician, Robert Williamson, who passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Mr. Williamson was the first elected Member for the then newly formed Keewatin riding, later known as the Central Arctic riding, and was a Member of the 5th and 6th Assemblies of the
Northwest Territories Council from 1966 to 1970.
I will also acknowledge Bishop John Sperry and Ken Look, a friend and former colleague from my time as a CBC broadcaster.
These three fine gentlemen were well respected and each contributed so much to the development and to the social fabric of the North. On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories, I extend our sincere condolences to the families of Bishop Sperry, Mr. Look and Mr. Williamson.
This year is the Diamond Jubilee for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. Our celebrations of this special anniversary will include public events to be planned throughout the year, as well as taking part in the national Diamond Jubilee Medal program.
We have information about how to nominate someone for the Diamond Jubilee Medal program, photos and jubilee activities across the territory. You will find all of this on the GNWT’s website; just click on the Queen’s jubilee banner. For those of you without access to a computer, please contact my office.
I wish each of the Members of this House safe travels and a busy, productive time as you continue to work for the people of the Northwest Territories.